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Heatwave claims 7th life in city
Two girls tricked into marriage, eight booked |
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Civic issues do matter, youngsters determined to prove it in MC polls
Result out, Ward 39 goes calm
Women power
From schools
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Heatwave claims 7th life in city
Amritsar, June 4 Paramjit Singh, the investigating officer, said he was found on the road alongside his rickshaw when residents informed the police. He died apparently due to hot weather conditions prevailing in the region. The temperature in the city is hovering between 40 to 47 degree Celsius. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 43.3°C while the minimum temperature was pegged at 26.4°C. The Met department officials said the city has so far witnessed the hottest summer season in the past one decade. Earlier, six persons, including a woman devotee who came to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple, fell prey to sweltering conditions. Majority of persons who lost their lives were destitute or belonging to poor strata of the society. A number of them were yet to be identified. Deputy Commissioner Rajat Agarwal said the district administration has made adequate arrangements for the destitute in the city. The Raain Basera established by the administration has got more beds, which have donated by city philanthropists. A common entertainment room with the television has been set up while bathrooms and toilets have been repaired at the building. He said if any NGO or an individual approaches them asking us to admit such people, then we would provide shelter to them at Raain Basera. Meanwhile, residents stayed indoors to protect themselves from the blistering heat wave, sweeping the northern region, but unscheduled power cuts in several parts of the city aggravated their problems.
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Two girls tricked into marriage, eight booked
Those booked including Deepak Singh, his father Sukhwant Singh, mother Kulwant Kaur, brother Happy, sister Renu, (all residents of Murabbe Wala Bazaar, Krishna Nagar), Kuldip Singh of Guru Ka Khuh, Tarn Taran and Kartar Singh of Saheed Udham Singh Nagar. A case under Sections 363, 366, 376, 420, 120-B and 506 of the IPC has been registered against them at Sultanwind police station. No arrest has been made so far. The girl alleged that when they applied for the registration of marriage, they came to know that he was already married to one Laado of Mandir Wala Bazaar since May 2007. “When we applied for the registration of our marriage, Laado’s family approached the court while pleading that Deepak was already married and produced all the proofs before the judge. My family was shattered. The accused had spoiled my life,” she told the police. She also alleged that the accused threatened of dire consequences. They also told her that they had made films of their intimate moments on their mobiles. In case she did not relent they would show the same to the whole village and defame her and the family. Investigating officer Gurbhej Singh, who is the in charge of Kot Mit Singh police chowki, said the case has been registered on the statement of the victim. Further investigations were under progress. In yet another incident of fraud against women, a local girl was cheated and raped by a person on the pretext of marriage. And when she lodged a complaint against the accused, he allegedly barged into her house and brutally beat her up besides taking away cash, mobile. The man also threatened to kill her. The girl in her statement to the Civil Lines police said she had an affair with Vishal Verma, a resident of Laxmi Vihar, Majitha Road. The accused took her to Himachal Pradesh where they got married. But, he did not register the marriage. Later, she came to know that Vishal was already married and has a daughter. She lodged a complaint in this connection following which a case under Sections 490, 406, 376 and 506 of the IPC was registered at Civil Lines police station. She said on May 1 evening, the accused barged into her house and thrashed her. Also he took away Rs 10,000 and a mobile. “Vishal threatened to kill me,” she alleged. She said the accused was pressurising her to transfer the whole property in his name. Nishan Singh, in charge, Ranjit Avenue police chowki, and the investigating officer, said the accused has been arrested following the complaint. He said another case under Sections 452, 382, 506 and 323 of the IPC has been registered against him.
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MC POLLS WARD WATCH
Amritsar, June 4 The newly constructed road in the remaining part of Kot Khalsa corroborated the claims of the residents. The contractor did not lay the road as no councillor advocated for its construction. A huge pond alongside the road has become a major problem for residents. Though not proven, the pond has polluted the groundwater. Open drains from Guru Nanak Pura discharge the dirty water into this pond thus polluting the body. No authority ever tried to clear and de-silt the pond, which led to contamination of groundwater. Cracks have appeared in the adjoining houses and shops as the water from the pond seep into the foundations. Residents rue that repeated requests to the councillors have not yielded any result. "They never listened to our grievances. Repeated visits have proven futile," said Jaswant Singh during all these five years nobody visited the area. During summers the area becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes and insects. There are waterborne diseases in summers and monsoons. It becomes almost impossible to wade through the water-logged road. During laying sewerage, the labourers broke the water supply pipes about half a year ago which could not be repaired till now. "Due to this, the water supply to houses has been disconnected for past many months. The extreme heat wave in the region has aggravated the water problem in areas," said another resident Harpal Singh. Sewerage woes, lack of cleanliness, inadequate lifting of garbage are some of problems in other parts of ward. Councillor speak Till now development works worth Rs 1 crore have been carried out in many areas of the ward. New sewerage has been laid in many areas, including Inderpuri, Ravi Das Nagar, Guru Nanak Pura road, Azad Nagar, Dashmesh Nagar etc Talwinder Kaur
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Civic issues do matter, youngsters determined to prove it in MC polls
The youth has an opinion, a strong one when it comes to exercising their right. Keeping a close tab on the candidates fielded by different parties and getting updates on the problems that their particular wards face, the youngsters are making sure that they cast their vote with caution. "I am eager to be a part of the voting process," shares Jasmine Bawa, a student of journalism from DAV College. The 21-year-old, who earlier cast her vote in the assembly polls, is now waiting for her turn to decide the fate of MC aspirants. "I have been following the campaigns of various contenders from different political parties in my ward and mostly I read newspapers everyday to know about the election activities," she informs. Jasmine, who lives in Green Avenue, says her area is doing fine where the basic amenities and security issues are concerned, but, "it is really untidy. Cleanliness is a big issue, especially with no proper process of sewage and garbage disposal." Another young voter who has been keeping a tab on the election activities is Ritika Bangia. The 21-year-old student from Lawrence Road says the biggest inconvenience is the traffic congestion. "Lawrence Road is an important commercial and residential area. But traffic jams have become a regular sore for residents here. Also, the divider is causing a bit inconvenience to the traffic inflow. Though it was a good move to have built the divider, there is a need to widen the road for smooth traffic movement." A resident from Ward 2, Lovish says, "Our area has a serious water disposal problem. Also, the roads too are not up to the mark. Maybe the candidate who I believe would work seriously towards rooting out these developmental issues will get my vote." Unlike her peers, 20-year-old fashion designing student Guncha Chopra says she would refrain from voting this time around. "Though I have my voter's card made and believe in the democratic process, but I don't think any of the candidates fielded are capable of fulfilling their promises." Call it a strong opinion from a young mind, Guncha doesn't minces her words. "It's not the first time MC elections are being held, but the city still lacks civic amenities and basic cleanliness required for its status of a tourist destination. Moreover, even posh areas suffer from negligence and unhygienic conditions, what to talk about the walled city. For an educated generation like us, all this is not in a good taste." Well, her lack of belief in the political parties notwithstanding, she supports her family and friends who will exercise their right to vote for sure. "I just want them to vote intelligently," she says.
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Tough going for Ward 63 residents
Amritsar, June 4 “The contractor stopped the work after completing 50 meters of the road. We do not know why the work has been stopped,” said a resident adding that incomplete road work leads to inconvenience and even accidents. Another resident said development works in the area were deliberately neglected as the BJP got defeated by an Independent candidate. Residents complained that the school vans have stopped coming to the area because of bad roads. Residents said many of them have been injured after falling on the road. Also the sewerage system in the area is not capable of draining out water. Residents said storm sewerage is also needed to drain out water during the rains. Residents speak The condition of streets in the area is bad. These should be carpeted as soon as possible. There is no point completing half the stretch of a road and leaving the rest incomplete — Balwinder Kaur With school vans refusing to enter the area, children have to be dropped and picked from the main road. Small kids often fall on the unpaved road — Gurdeep Singh The sewerage system is in a bad state. Water gets accumulated whenever it rains. The area is not developed at all. The SAD-BJP combine has failed to provide enough funds to the councillor as he is not from their party — Janak Rani The area has no streetlights. At many places streetlights are lying defunct. The area also has a law and order problem. Water and electricity supply are not sufficient — Kulwant Singh Councillor speak Though the MC House passed projects worth Rs 2.5 crore, the corporation has not issued work orders for the projects even after 14 months. The tenders had been floated, but works have not begun. This is just because I won against a BJP candidate and close confidant of Mayor Shwait Malik Lakhanpal Kahed
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Safe drinking water a distant dream
Amritsar, June 4 Situation on water scarcity can be gauged from the fact that many of the tubewells supplying water to this ward have been lying defunct. Streets and roads also require urgent repair. What is more interesting is that amidst all these shortcomings, the former cabinet health minister Luxmi Kanta Chawla herself lives here. The ward consists of highly congested Majith Mandi, a wholesale market of spices, dry fruits and pulses. A perfect breeding ground for rats, yet the civic authorities have done little to control the problem. Shops extended to the roads, parking of vehicles, loading and unloading of materials add to the woes for the commuters. The tubewells at Gali Shekhan, Katra Bhai Sant Singh, Taksal 32 Hatta, Patel Chowk, Lambawali Gali that supply water to the ward have become inoperable with the passage of time. Many of them have gone dry. The road infrastructure is also in a shambles with majority of the roads and streets requiring urgent repair. Illegal extension by traders and shopkeepers has led to encroachments and traffic chaos. Other areas that fall in the ward include Shakti Nagar, Tokriyanwala Bazaar, Tunda Talab, Majith Mandi, Chaurasti Attari, Kaseria Bazaar, Kathiawala Bazaar, Katra Bhai Sant Singh, Lahori Gate to Safedan Katra area. Laxmi Kanta Chawla, former Health minister and a resident of Shakti Nagar
Rodents and stray dogs are the major problems faced by the residents. Rats damage the sewerage system. I have also raised this issue in Vidhan Sabha several times. The civic authorities initiated steps to curb it but to no avail. Secondly, lifting of garbage has never been streamlined. There is an urgent need to introduce the concept of door-to-door garbage collection in the walled city. Instead this programme was carried out in the outer areas, which seldom required it. Also there should be no day off on Sundays for garbage collection. It is a public utility service and should continue on a rotational
mode. Residents speak We get dirty water to drink. I prefer to carry my own bottle of purified water from home — Subhash Khanna The sewerage water becomes stagnant for want of proper disposal. All requests to the authorities to rectify the problem have not been fruitful — Amit
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Result out, Ward 39 goes calm
Amritsar, June 4 But after Mamanke won the seat, all political activities stopped in all localities --- Malliyan Da Mohalla, Antaryami Colony, Guru Nanak Colony, Gujjarpura road, parts of Tarn Taran road --- in the ward. Residents said the area did not witness much of political activities even before the withdrawal by candidates. “Door-to-door campaigns started, but did not pick up speed. But now the scene has completely changed,” said a resident. The only activity, which is going on in the area, is pasting of posters celebrating the victory of Mamanke. Residents unhappy
If the unopposed election has made some people happy, then there is large number of ward residents who are not happy with the result. They said had the elections happened the normal way, residents could have got more opportunities to apprise the candidates about their problems. If not talked, these problems won’t get solved ever, they felt. With the process over without a fight, tipplers won’t be happy. They might have been waiting for free flow of liquor, said Surinder Singh, a resident, on a lighter note. He said unlike other areas where loudspeakers and door-to-door campaigns do not let residents take rest, ward people here can have a sound sleep during the hot afternoons.
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Women power
Amritsar, June 4 Meenu Sehgal The candidate from the BJP has been a busy bee. Her campaign starts at 6 in the morning and ends late in night. She likes to call herself the 24-hour-public servant. “Hard work is my agenda. Winning an election is not the tough part, working towards your promises after that win is the tough one. And I am glad that I have been able to do that,” says Meenu Sehgal, candidate from Ward 52. She credits her success to her family, who didn’t ask her to sacrifice anything instead chipped in for her win. “Politics runs in the family and they have been working alongside to ensure I gave results that I promised. They are my strength and motivation.’ “We are glad that Meenu decided to join politics and the entire family is involved in her election campaign,” shared Neerja, her sister-in-law who is by her side 24X7. Preeti Taneja The 40-year-old BJP candidate from Ward No 51 is anything but a dummy candidate. Her political career might have started after marrying into a political family, but the foundations of her dedication towards society were laid way back in 1994. “I joined Indian naval services and served for seven long years before giving it up post marriage,” says Preeti, who was the first woman officer from Punjab. Entering into a family where politics was like breathing, Preeti soon followed the footsteps of her father-in-law and husband. “I became increasingly involved in politics thanks to my husband who is also the vice-president of the Punjab Yuva Morcha of the BJP. I believe I have the commitment and strength required for the job,” says the mother of two, who aggressively campaigned alongside Navjot Kaur Sidhu during the assembly polls. For her, the only sacrifice she is making is giving quality time to herself. “I have a supporting family by my side. The only job I have set for myself is to work towards maximum development of my ward.” And her only way to beat all that stress from a hard day’s work is, “Yoga and meditation. I am a positive person, who wants to be taken seriously,” she says. Simarpreet Kaur Bhatia Her unsuccessful run at the assembly elections didn’t let her dedication fade away. In fact, it only made her resolve stronger. Simarpreet Kaur Bhatia says she will work till the day her husband’s dreams materialise. “Politics was something I was already familiar with since my late husband gave up his life working for the uplift of the society. I have made no new promises, as I first want to fulfil those made by my husband,” says the BJP candidate from Ward 30. From being a homemaker to diving into active politics, Simarpreet believes that women are better leaders. “It’s a misconception that women have to sacrifice their personal life for their political careers. I was working full-time meeting people, dealing with them alongside my husband, and now I do it with the help of my kids.” The woman comes with no frill attached, her funda totally clear. “There are lots of developmental issues in my area and I have been working towards them for the past 10 years, irrespective of my own political aspirations.” Mamta Dutta The Congress candidate from Ward 2 has been active in politics for the past 15 years. Two-time lucky, Mamta Dutta is ready to carry her luck the third time around. “I can definitely work better than any other male candidate,” is her reply to all those who think women are political puppets. With two school-going kids and entire family by her side, Mamta is positive about her win. “There was never any agenda I was working with. I know the problems I have been dealing with and will continue to do so. I have been working 24X7 to help people who come to me.” Her biggest strength, she says, is her faith. “I am a very religious person and believe in action, not words. I have made sacrifices with my personal life, but found great support and help in my husband who has been my strength all along.” The stress doesn’t scare her. “As long as I have respect, I’ll continue to do my job.” Neetu Mahajan She may be new to the election arena, but not new to politics. Neetu was working to improve lives of widow pensioners when politics struck her. “My husband was a councilor from the BJP,” informs Neetu, but then she had to make her own way. Contesting as an Independent candidate, Neetu has her priorities set. “For me, it’s a morning till evening job, meeting people, fighting issues. But I do make sure I take time out for my kids and family.” Now, that’s called a balancing act. She doesn’t just believe, but knows that women are better leaders. “No wonder we have so many female candidates in elections this time around. That’s what women empowerment is all about, pointing out our strength. We are better organised and socially aware.” As for her chances, she is positive. “Working towards my goals is what I am focused on, not winning or losing.”
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From schools
Amritsar, June 4 Meditation lessons
With an aim to raise awareness about the benefits of meditation, DAV International School in collaboration with the Art of Living organised a seminar on 'Meditation India'. Gauri Sharda and Vivek Sharda from the Art of Living were resource persons. The entire staff of the school attended this seminar.
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Amritsar, June 4
Amritsar, June 4
Lovish Anand, another youngster, says, "All candidates during their campaign promise development. But the decision boils down to the hard facts. One has to see if those promises made five years ago have been fulfilled or not. For that, one has to pay attention as a voter as well."